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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider DTI suspends sale of Flava Corp.'s vape products

DTI suspends sale of Flava Corp.'s vape products

Published Mar 18, 2024 09:44 am

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) announced that it has ordered a halt in the trade of vape products of popular brand Flava Corporation as of March 15.

In a statement to the press on March 18, DTI-FTEB said a Preliminary Order was issued in order to “preserve the integrity of the subject products and to prevent the continuance of the acts complained of," after the company has allegedly violated Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vape Law.

The DTI affirmed that the suspension seeks to protect consumers, with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual stating that the DTI "will not shirk from its responsibility of enforcing trade, industry, and consumer protection laws to help legitimate businesses and promote consumer protection.”

“This Order serves as a strong warning to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to not engage in illegal acts of trading illicit vapes and other violative products,” he added.

According to the DTI, Flava Corporation was found to have violated the policy on product communication restrictions of the Vape Law.

Section 12 refers to the prohibition of sale of vape products that have flavor descriptions aimed at children or minors, and the use of celebrities endorsing or advertising the items. 
 
The FTEB’s Prosecution Unit had already filed a Formal Charge against Flava and co-respondent Lilac Vape Shop, prior to the Order,  due to alleged unlawful us of celebrities to advertise their ROMIO 9500 product in late 2023 on social media. The product was also found to use descriptors like iced chocolate, gummy bears, and bubblegum.

Flava Corporation had already been cited by other government bodies such as the House Committee Ways and Means' report on March 5, indicating the discovery of billions worth of allegedly illegally imported Flava vape products in a Valenzuela warehouse in October last year by the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The items were also said to not have proper tax payments.

This prompted the Congressional panel to call on the DTI to seize and pull out Flava Corporation's products from vape shops nationwide.

 

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